An Investigation of the Impacts of Mineral Dust on Summertime Convection with WRF/Chem V3.1

The regional impact of elevated mineral aerosol emissions on summertime convection in the desert South West United States was investigated using the WRF/Chem V3.1 community model. Aerosol direct and indirect forcings on clouds have been tested in WRF/Chem by turning on interactive atmospheric radiation, aerosol, photolysis and microphysics modules. Convection typical of the North American Monsoon system has been simulated. Model performance in the prognosis of ongoing long wave radiation, radar reflectivity, precipitation, particulate matter and other atmospheric variables has been evaluated. Model output has been validated with satellite observations, ground observations of meteorological variables, as well as, PM2.5 and PM10 measurements in the city of EL Paso, Texas at the US-Mexico border.